TNAG-1985-FCO40-2818-Presentation-of-UK-policy-on-Hong-Kong-to-the-media-1989 — Page 26

CONFIDENTIAL

Such a post is bound to develop rapidly into more than just a transmitter of public statements. But a sensitive operator can play the dial-a-quote game without cutting across the Governor and in a way which would also protect Mr Heap (para 2 of the Governor's

teleletter).

4. Given Mr Heap's own information experience what is needed ideally is someone with News Department experience, knowledge of the issues and the confidence of Ministers. It is important that the first incumbent should get the operation off to an effective start: and it sounds as if there is a lot to do commercially as well as

politically. I can recommend you the ideal candidate at First Secretary level (available now because a proposed posting has fallen through). Will you now pursue with the Administration?

<<

Mr Heap has

set out very clearly the possibilities in his telegram no 254. My only quibble is an important one: to have any effect or credibility the new information officer must be able to add local interpretations and glosses to the material he gets from London.

Ian whitehead

for

RA Burns

CONFIDENTIAL